Fanfiction, or fanfic, is a term used to describe stories written by fans of a particular television show, movie, video game, or book. These stories may revolve around the characters, situations, or settings of the original work, but are not canon, meaning they are not recognized as part of the official storyline. The popularity of fanfiction has skyrocketed with the advent of the internet, which provides a venue for fan writers to post and share their work. Let's delve deeper into the fascinating world of fanfiction.
Origins of Fanfiction
The phenomenon of fan artistic expression dates back centuries, often in the form of plays and poems based on popular mythology and literature. Fanfiction as we know it today began to gain popularity in the 1960s with fanzines, publications created and distributed by fans of a particular medium, usually science fiction. This was particularly popular with Star Trek fans. With the advent of the Internet, fanfiction took on a new life and accessed a vastly wider audience.
As a side note, it should also be remembered that several classical authors such as Dante (with his Divine Comedy) and Virgil (with Aeneid) wrote what may be considered, in some respects, fanfictions of Greek mythology.
Types of Fanfiction
Fanfiction can come in many forms, including but not limited to: alternate universe (AU), where characters exist in different settings or circumstances; crossovers, where characters from different canon meet or interact; and 'shipping', where relationships not present in the canon are explored. Many writers also engage in role reversal, gender bending, or time travelling scenarios to build unique narratives around existing characters.
Fanfiction Platforms
There are many websites that provide platforms for fanfiction writers. Among them are websites like FanFiction.Net, Archive of Our Own (AO3), and Wattpad. These sites host millions of stories from thousands of fandoms and have varying features and communities.
FanFiction.Net is the oldest and among the largest fanfiction archives on the internet, featuring a massive range of fandoms. Archive of Our Own (AO3) is another widely-used platform, which has grown rapidly due to its more user-friendly interface and less stringent content policies. Wattpad, on the other hand, is a more general writing platform that also includes fanfiction.
Impact of Fanfiction on Popular Culture
Fanfiction has a significant impact on popular culture, reaching far beyond the confines of individual fandoms. It has influenced the way we consume and engage with media, creating a participatory culture where fans can interact directly with the stories and characters they love. Fanfic can also serve as a powerful tool for cultural critique, providing commentary on issues of race, gender, sexuality, and more within popular media.
Legalities of Fanfiction
The legal status of fanfiction is somewhat murky, with grey areas surrounding issues of copyright and fair use. While fanfiction is generally viewed as a permissible form of derivative work and protected under fair use, there have been instances where authors or copyright holders have taken issue with certain works of fanfiction. However, instances of fanfiction writers being sued are extremely rare, with most authors and producers seeing fanfiction as beneficial to the growth and longevity of the fandom.
Impact on Professional Writing
Contrary to some opinions, fanfiction can be a springboard for professional writing. Some authors, like E. L. James (author of Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy) and Anna Todd (author of After series), started off as fanfiction writers. Even beyond those who make it big, fanfiction is often a playground where amateur authors can hone their writing skills, receive constructive feedback, and explore new ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is all Fanfiction bad? No, like any form of writing, the quality depends on the author. There are many well-written and intriguing fanfictions out there.
2. Is Fanfiction illegal? The legal status of fanfiction is a bit complicated. In general, fanfiction is seen as a permissible form of derivative work and is protected under fair use. However, the specific legalities may vary based on jurisdiction and the exact nature of the fanfiction.
3. What is the largest fanfiction site? FanFiction.Net and Archive of Our Own (AO3) are among the largest fanfiction sites currently available, hosting millions of stories from thousands of fandoms.
Conclusion
Fanfiction is a vibrant and diverse facet of modern fan culture. It offers fans the opportunity to explore and engage with their favorite characters and stories in unique and creative ways, while also influencing broader pop culture trends. Whether you're interested in delving into the vast libraries on fanfiction websites, or you're just intrigued by its impact, fanfiction is a fascinating subject worth exploring.
References
Black, R. W. (2005). Access and affiliation: The literacy and composition practices of English-language learners in an online fanfiction community. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy,49(2), 118-128.
Tushnet, R. (2007). The Future of Fanfiction. The Journal of Gender, Race & Justice,10, 101.
Pugh, S. (2005). The democratic genre: fan fiction in a literary context. Bridgend: Seren.
With Wemate AI, you can finally stop pretending like you don't sing in the shower! Why not share your latest shower concert? We love those passionate performances!